The All India Chess Federation named D V Sundar as its interim secretary to replace P T Ummer Koya, who has been restrained by a Madras high court order from officiating or interfering with the day-to-day affairs of the federation in any capacity.

The AICF also nominated Neeraj Mishra as interim treasurer, as Sowmen Majumdar is also restrained by the court till further orders.

In a letter to AICF office-bearers and its affiliated units, federation president N Srinivasan said the step was taken to ensure smooth functioning of the AICF and the newly-appointed officials would continue till the next general body meeting.

"In view of the fact that the activities of the federation must continue without any impediment and that the affiliated associations, tournament officials and players should not be put to any inconvenience, I hereby nominate D V Sundar to officiate and carry out all the functions of secretary," Srinivasan said in the letter.

"I also hereby nominate Neeraj Kumar Mishra to officiate and carry out all the functions of the treasurer," he added.

On Tuesday, in an interim injunction, the Madras high court restrained both Koya and Majumdar on petitions filed by State Chess Associations of Tamil Nadu, Delhi [Images] and Maharashtra.

In another order, the court restrained Koya from acting as a representative of the AICF and functioning as vice-president of the FIDE and chairman of the Commonwealth Chess Association.

The AICF's decision comes just a day after the Chess Players' Association of India wrote to Srinivasan about alleged "financial irregularities" by Koya.

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